Zimbabwean Graduate Wins Tourism Innovation Challenge with AI-powered Platform

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Zimbabwean Graduate Wins Tourism Innovation Challenge with AI-powered Platform

A 24-year-old graduate from the University of Zimbabwe has emerged as the winner of the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge for her groundbreaking project. Miss Nodumo Ilalele Moyo, along with ICT specialist Mr Jethro Nsimba, developed a digital platform that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to plan, market, and evaluate tourism packages.

Miss Moyo’s project, called Tour Mice, aims to revolutionize the tourism industry by providing an alternative selling platform for both domestic and international tourism. The platform leverages AI to create customized packages based on user preferences and budgets. The innovative approach of Tour Mice caught the attention of the judges, earning Miss Moyo a cash prize of US$1,000 at the provincial finals.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) organized the challenge, which sought project proposals from youth innovators aged 30 and below. Miss Moyo’s Tour Mice emerged as the provincial winner in Matabeleland North, beating out other impressive projects such as The TouristZW and Heritage for sustainability. The first and second runners-up received prize money of US$500 and US$300, respectively.

Miss Moyo expressed her excitement at winning the challenge and shared her vision for Tour Mice. She believes that the platform will facilitate the planning, marketing, and evaluation of events and activities related to tourism. Tour Mice aims to highlight the hidden gems of Zimbabwe, exposing lesser-known destinations to both locals and tourists.

The significance of Miss Moyo’s achievement is not lost on her. She envisions Tour Mice becoming an essential platform for event planners and companies, providing them with a comprehensive tool to manage and promote tourism-related activities. Miss Moyo’s success in the challenge has empowered her to pursue her dreams of transforming the tourism industry, going beyond what was initially imagined.

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This year’s Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge is centered on the theme Harnessing Innovation for Sustainability. The challenge encourages young innovators to contribute to the tourism sector by developing products that enhance accessibility, booking systems, hotel searches, and activity improvement. With a focus on sustainability, the projects should also support local communities, promote responsible tourism practices, and reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.

The challenge, organized by ZTA, aims to create opportunities for young innovators and aligns with the government’s objectives of empowering the youth and alleviating poverty. Besides the cash prizes, winners at the provincial and national levels will receive incubation and mentorship assistance. The national winner will be awarded US$5,000.

Miss Moyo will represent Matabeleland North province at the national finals, date to be announced, where she will compete to win the coveted national title and the substantial cash prize. The Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge continues to encourage innovation in the tourism industry, fostering economic growth and sustainable practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News

What is the Tour Mice platform?

Tour Mice is a digital platform developed by Nodumo Ilalele Moyo and Jethro Nsimba that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to plan, market, and evaluate tourism packages.

How does Tour Mice revolutionize the tourism industry?

Tour Mice aims to revolutionize the tourism industry by providing an alternative selling platform for both domestic and international tourism. It leverages AI to create customized packages based on user preferences and budgets, highlighting lesser-known destinations in Zimbabwe.

What recognition did Miss Moyo receive for her project?

Miss Moyo emerged as the winner of the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge in Matabeleland North province, earning a cash prize of US$1,000.

What were the criteria for the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge?

The challenge sought project proposals from youth innovators aged 30 and below. The projects had to enhance accessibility, booking systems, hotel searches, and activity improvement in the tourism sector while promoting sustainability and supporting local communities.

What support do winners receive in addition to cash prizes?

Besides the cash prizes, winners at the provincial and national levels receive incubation and mentorship assistance to further develop their projects.

What is the objective of the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge?

The challenge aims to encourage innovation in the tourism industry, foster economic growth, and promote sustainable practices. It aligns with the government's objectives of empowering the youth and alleviating poverty.

What is the significance of Tour Mice becoming a comprehensive tool for event planners and companies?

Miss Moyo envisions Tour Mice as an essential platform for event planners and companies to manage and promote tourism-related activities. It will facilitate the planning, marketing, and evaluation of events and activities, helping showcase the hidden gems of Zimbabwe.

What is the theme of this year's Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge?

This year's theme is Harnessing Innovation for Sustainability, focusing on developing products that enhance accessibility, booking systems, hotel searches, and activity improvement, while promoting responsible tourism practices and reducing the industry's carbon footprint.

What is the prize for the national winner of the Zimbabwe Tourism Innovation Challenge?

The national winner will be awarded a cash prize of US$5,000.

When and where will the national finals of the challenge take place?

The date and location of the national finals of the challenge are yet to be announced.

Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.

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